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Determination of Significance (CAUD)

This application is for a Determination of Historical Significance. Typically, a Determination of Historical Significance is necessary for one of two actions: (1) The proposed demolition of a building more than 40 years old, or (2) The listing of a property as a Local Landmark Property.

For either of these actions, please fill out and return this form to the Department of Planning, Housing, and Community Development.

Contacts

Sean McGee

FAQ

A historic property is a property that is designated or has been determined eligible at the local, state, or federal level. Properties eligible for local historic designation must either be important for representing broad patterns of history, for their association with the life of a historically significant person, or for conveying high architectural or artistic value.

The city maintains a list of all locally designated properties. This includes individually designated properties as well as historic districts. You can check whether your property is designated with the Historic Preservation Planner.

If your property qualifies as a historic property or is located within the boundaries of a historic district, all exterior alterations, additions, and repairs require a review by the Commission on Architecture & Urban Design (CAUD). This includes alterations that do not require a permit. If you are unsure if your project requires review, contact the Historic Preservation Planner for guidance.

CAUD stands for Commission on Architecture and Urban Design. It is comprised of members of the public, who oversee the establishment and preservation of historic landmarks and historic districts in the City of Binghamton. To this end, they are authorized by City ordinance to review proposed exterior alterations to all historic landmarks or properties located within historic districts. They can then decide to issue a Certificate of Approval, Approval with Conditions, or Denial based on their findings.

Yes. All exterior changes to a designated property must go through some level of review. The review process applies to exterior improvements, including (but not limited to): painting, window and door replacement, walls and fences, and signage. Please refer to the Historic Design Review page for details.

The first step to meet with the Historic Preservation Planner, who can go over your proposed plan and provide some guidance on what might be acceptable. The next step is to fill out a CAUD Design Review Application, which can be downloaded from CAUD section of the Planning, Housing, and Community Development website. Submit your completed application to the Historic Preservation Planner, along with copies of architectural drawings, photographs of the property, product samples or brochures, or any other materials necessary for CAUD to make proper review (consult with the Historic Preservation Planner as to what materials may be required for your specific project). The more detailed information you can provide the Commission, the easier and quicker they will be able to reach a decision. After you submit your application materials, city staff will review them for completeness and submit a report to CAUD, detailing the proposal and staff findings. The application will be reviewed at the monthly CAUD meeting (held the last Tuesday of every month, at 12:00 noon, in the Planning Conference Room, 4th Floor, City Hall). You are highly encouraged to attend this meeting so you can address any concerns the Commission has in person.

Properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places or contributing buildings to National Register Historic Districts may be eligible for Federal and/or New York State Tax Credits for potentially up to 20% of qualifying costs for owner-occupied residential buildings, or up to 40% of qualifying costs for incoming producing buildings (this includes RENTAL residential). More information is available on the NY State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) website.

Any designated historic property, Nation Register or Local Landmark, may be eligible for the 444a tax abatement program. If a historic preservation project will result in the accessed value, and therefore the taxes, to go up, that increase in taxes can be abated for a total of 10 years (100% abatement for the first 5 years, 80% abatement in year 6, 60% abatement in year 7, et cetera).

Please call the Historic Preservation Planner at (607) 772-7028 for more information.